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"*WINTER RECREATION GUIDE
*""*Michigan state parks news - special edition*"


"There’s no shortage of cold-weather opportunities to get outdoors and into the fresh air, such as ice fishing, winter birding, hiking and more. You can also visit our winter fun page for other ideas."

Michigan.gov/WinterFun ► [ [link removed] ]

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Ice skating trail, luge, sledding and more!

person on luge

The Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park [ [link removed] ], located in Muskegon State Park, is one unique way to embrace winter. You'll find a quarter-mile ice-skating trail, an Olympian-designed luge track, a sledding hill, lit cross-country ski trails and much more.

"Open weather permitting. Check website or call for updates. Daily/season passes required. "Advance luge reservations needed.""



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Winter-inspired events offer unique opportunities

group of people standing around campfire in woods

Grab your snowshoes, boots, binoculars or overnight bag, and make the most of winter at one of these winter-inspired events.


* Nestled along the  shores of Higgins Lake near Roscommon, you'll find warmth and winter wonder at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center [ [link removed] ]. There will be self-guided cross-country ski and snowshoe getaway weekends, Jan. 24-26 [ [link removed] ] ("registration closes Jan. 13") or Jan. 31-Feb. 2 [ [link removed] ] ("registration closes Jan. 20"). Or, a more guided experience featuring winter birding, an evening Owl Prowl and more at Winter Wonderland Jan. 27-29 [ [link removed] ].
* Calling all bird enthusiasts! The Birding Expo [ [link removed] ] will be held noon to 3 p.m. at the Outdoor Adventure Center Saturday, Feb 16. Discover bird identification, see exhibitors and more! Seniors 55-plus can preregister for early bird hour [ [link removed] ] (10:30 a.m. to noon).
* A handful of lantern-lit trail events [ [link removed] ] at state parks across the state Jan. 10, 17, 24, 25 and Feb. 1, 8, 14, 15 and March 1.
* The Porkies Winter Sports Complex will hold Midwest Telefest Feb. 7-9 [ [link removed] ] and the Winter Snowburst Carnival Feb. 22 [ [link removed] ].

For a full list of DNR events, visit Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar [ [link removed] ].



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Visit the Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit

kids fishing with simulator

If you’re in the Detroit area, explore the outdoors, indoors with hands-on activities, exhibits, simulators and a slate of outdoor and cultural programming at the Outdoor Adventure Center [ [link removed] ]. You'll walk behind a waterfall, climb through a giant tree, reel in a giant fish, experience the thrill of a mountain bike or snowmobile ride and more. 



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Free snowmobiling weekend Jan. 17-19

two snowmobiles on snowy trail

Grab your friends and ride 6,000-plus miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands (where authorized) on two back-to-back days during Michigan's Free Snowmobiling Weekend [ [link removed] ], Jan. 17-19.

Residents and out-of-state visitors legally can ride without the requirement of a snowmobile registration or trail permit. All other snowmobile rules and safety certificate requirements [ [link removed] ] still apply, and the Recreation Passport is required where applicable.

"Don't forget to "Ride Right [ [link removed] ]," "so you get home safe to your family and friends. "Ride sober, on the right side of the trail and at safe speed."



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Porkies Winter Sports Complex open for season

Porkies ski logo with snowboarder on ski run

Gear up for an unforgettable winter adventure at the Porkies Winter Sports Complex [ [link removed] ], nestled within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Whether you're carving down 20 downhill runs with stellar panoramic views of Lake Superior, freestyling through the natural terrain park, twisting through gladed-tree runs, gliding along groomed cross-country ski trails or snowshoeing through this winter wonderland, you'll enjoy pristine beauty and all-natural snow conditions.

All that's needed is a Recreation Passport to enter the park and a lift ticket to use the triple lift. Keep an eye on _Michigan.gov/SkiThePorkies [ [link removed] ]_ or the Porkies Winter Sports Complex Facebook page [ [link removed] ] for operation dates and hours.



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Free Fishing Weekend Feb. 15-16

three anglers prepping ice fishing hole

Why not add a few state parks to your Free Fishing Weekend [ [link removed] ] (Feb. 15-16) itinerary?

Twice a year, residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy world-class fishing on two back-to-back days without a fishing license. All other regulations apply.

We also waive the regular Recreation Passport entry fee to all 103 state parks and 1,000-plus DNR-managed boating access sites for these weekends.

"As always, check out Michigan.gov/IceSafety [ [link removed] ] before any on-ice activities."



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Fat-tire biking adventure on the dunes

several fat-tire bikers riding over a sandy dune all bundled up

Cyclists can enjoy 450 acres of open sand dunes, elevation changes of 80-100 feet, access to Lake Michigan and sunsets over the lake from the top of the dunes during the fat-tire biking season at Silver Lake ORV Area [ [link removed] ] in Mears, through March 15. "There is no cost or registration, except for a Recreation Passport if you're parking with a vehicle."



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Cast 'State Park Madness' votes!

State Park Madness bracket between Proud Lake Recreation Area and Tawas Point State Park

Looking for something "outdoorsy" to take part in, even if it's indoors? 

Throughout January, you can vote for your favorite Michigan state park in a bracket-style competition as part of this year's State Park Madness.

To cast your vote, simply visit the DNR's Outdoor Adventure Center [ [link removed] ] in person or go to the OAC's Facebook page [ [link removed] ]. This annual tournament features 32 state parks. Brackets are updated weekly on Saturdays. The winning park will be crowned Jan. 31 and awarded the coveted trophy.











*Michigan.gov/StateParks [ [link removed] ]*

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